Entering the playoffs, many outside voices doubted Springfield could win multiple playoff games, let alone make it to its third consecutive state championship game.
With just five wins during the regular season, the Wildcats found themselves as the 12th seed in Region 2.
Despite this, they were no easy exit.
Springfield overcame numerous hurdles throughout an improbable playoff run, but once again, the final test against St. Edward was just too much to overcome, as the Eagles went on to win 31-21.
St. Edward Starts With Confidence
From the moment they entered the field, St. Edward looked poised and ready to win.
With only one loss during the season and having beaten Springfield in back-to-back title games, there was no reason for any doubt in a different result than years past.
The scoring got started quickly, as rushing touchdowns from Casey Bullock and Brandon White put St. Edward in front 14-0 with 2:10 to play in the first quarter.
2023 Division I State Championship 🏆
1Q | 2:10
St. Edward – 14
Springfield – 0Sophomore Brandon White (@WhiteBrandon26) breaks multiple tackles en route to a 20-yard St. Edward TD!
White has 86 yards and a TD in the first quarter.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/ZeBesUiBqf
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
Springfield Climbs Back
With 10:28 left in the second quarter, Springfield was able to build some momentum after Da’Shawn Martin jumped on a fumble in the end zone to cut the deficit to 14-7.
2023 Division I State Championship 🏆
2Q | 3:42
St. Edward – 14
Springfield – 14Springfield has battled back to tie this one up, scoring on a 1-yard TD by Bay Bay Norman on fourth and goal.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/u4Na21yOtd
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
The final 3:42 of the first half saw three touchdowns as both teams continued to trade blows. First, it was Bay Bay Norman who scored his first touchdown of the game to tie it up at 14-14.
2023 Division I State Championship 🏆
2Q | 3:42
St. Edward – 14
Springfield – 14Springfield has battled back to tie this one up, scoring on a 1-yard TD by Bay Bay Norman on fourth and goal.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/u4Na21yOtd
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
St. Edward had a swift response, with Brandon White scoring again, this time from three yards out.
But once again, Springfield would tie the game on a 92-yard kickoff return by Norman. The return set the record for the longest kick return touchdown in Division I Championship history.
2023 Division I State Championship 🏆
2Q | 1:24
St. Edward – 21
Springfield – 21This stadium is BUZZING! 🗣️
Bay Bay Norman sets the D-1 Championship record with a 92-yard kickoff return for Springfield to tie the game again.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/zUXMkMsklu
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
Springfield had an opportunity to take the lead going into halftime. However, they were stopped short of the goal line, allowing the clock to expire and the score to remain tied at 21.
Finding A Defensive Groove
After the offenses combined for 361 yards in the first half, both defenses settled in and showed out during the second half.
From three-and-outs to strip sacks, there was no shortage of big plays in a scoreless third quarter.
The tie was finally broken with 6:54 remaining in regulation, when St. Edward junior kicker Kellen Moyer made a 36-yard field goal through the fog to give the Eagles a 24-21 lead.
2023 Division I State Championship 🏆
4Q | 6:54
St. Edward – 24
Springfield – 21St. Edward breaks through in a previously scoreless second half to take the lead!
It’s Kellen Moyer who knocks home the clutch go-ahead FG from 36 yards out.@NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/r1Yq4b5KE5
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
Closing The Game
Springfield would go three-and-out once again on the drive following the St. Edward made field goal.
With possession and time on their side, the Eagles worked the clock all the way down to 1:27. That’s when Brandon White scored his third touchdown of the game to seal the victory.
2023 Division I State Championship 🏆
*Final Score*
St. Edward – 31
Springfield – 21Ed’s shuts out Springfield in the second half to capture their third consecutive state title!@WhiteBrandon26 ran for 235 yards and 3 TD.@Nate_Gregory32 finished with 13 tackles and 3.5 TFL. pic.twitter.com/pblkZVI2Mm
— NEO Zone HS Sports (@NEOZoneHS) December 2, 2023
Brandon White, who was starting in his first championship game, finished with 235 yards and three touchdowns behind a towering offensive line.
This standout performance, along with a second half shutout from the defense, propelled St. Edward to a 31-21 victory.
The win marked St. Edward’s third consecutive championship, and its seventh title in school history.
Link To Final Stats: https://www.statbroadcast.com/
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